Developer- and Publisher-specific Articles: SOE

Sony Online has announced that their zombie-themed survival title H1Z1 has launched on Steam Early Access. Available in two packages, digital survivalists can download the standard edition for $19.99 or the premium edition for $39.99. The standard edition includes early access, three event tickets, two crates, and one crate key, while the premium edition includes 25 Event Tickets, three Airdrop Tickets, six Crates, four Crate Keys, and an exclusive Aviator Hat Crafting Recipe.

Sony Online Entertainment has announced that their free-to-play massively multiplayer online shooter PlanetSide 2 will enter closed beta this month for PS4. The initial wave of players, numbering in the thousands, is scheduled to enter the beta on January 20. More players will be added in the coming months, with invitations set to go out in chronological order based on date of sign-up. Players who have yet to send in their info can still do so at the official site; more information can also be found in a new FAQ. A full launch is on track for later this year.

Sony Online Entertainment has announced that their annual fan festival, SOE Fan Faire, has been renamed SOE Live and that it will be taking place this October. The SOE-sponsored event will be held between October 18-21 at Bally’s in Las Vegas, and feature the company’s large roster of MMO titles: DC Universe Online, EverQuest, EverQuest II, Free Realms, Magic: The Gathering – Tactics, PlanetSide 2, Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures, and Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. Attendees can look forward to developer discussion panels, game-themed events, access to beta programs, tournaments, and goodies to take home.

DC Universe Online’s second DLC pack, Lightning Strikes, has launched for the PC and PS3. The Flash stars in Flashback Duo, a new time-traveling adventure set at the moment when Barry Allen becomes The Flash. In addition to the new quest, Central City is available for solo and group adventures and Electricity Powers, the game’s eighth power set, is introduced. The powers include the ability to create Tesla Balls and fire Shockwave bolts to damage enemies, and siphon energy from the environment with Ionic Drain. New gear and villains, including Livewire and The Trickster, round out the additions.

SOE’s president, John Smedley, has announced—well, tweeted—some post-transition stats for DC Universe Online. Since shifting to a free-to-play model, the title has seen a 700% increase in daily revenue, with a breakdown of 47% for PC and 53% for PS3, as well as an increase in player base growth of 6% per day. Additionally, over 85% of daily log-ins are returning players, and the percentage of European players has increased from 20% to 50% of daily log-ins.

DC Universe Online has relaunched as a free-to-play title for both the PC and PS3. There are also packages for those wanting a little more than what the Free version offers: Premium Access and Legendary Access. All levels will have access to the world and missions, as well as game updates and fixes.

Payday: The Heist has launched on the PS Network. The squad-based first-person shooter pits a four-man crew of bank robbers against six dynamic heist scenarios. Alone or with friends, players will take hostages and share ammo and med kits with their cohorts as they face off against both the FBI and SWAT.

After being hit with a slight delay, Sony Online’s squad-based first-person shooter Payday: The Heist is back on track. The new launch date is right around the corner, too: October 18. The PSN-only release will pit a four-man crew of bank robbers against six dynamic heist scenarios. Alone or with friends, players will be able to take hostages, share ammo and med kits, and face off against both the FBI and SWAT.

Sony Online’s PC and PSN squad-based first-person shooter Payday: The Heist has been slightly delayed. Originally scheduled to launch on October 4, Sony has announced that The Heist will now be released “later this month” – not too bad. Would-be Point Breakers can grab The Heist on release for $19.99.